Naperville Area CHamber of Commerce Government Affairs Roundup

There is a significant shift coming in the region, and we need to be working to set ourselves up now to take advantage in the coming years or we will miss our piece of the pie. I’m speaking of a shift in housing demand as millennials look to suburbs like Naperville with greater and greater interest.

It’s especially important for suburbs like Naperville then to set ourselves up to take advantage of this demographic shift. That’s why projects like the 5th Avenue Development provide such an amazing opportunity. The development could grow the offerings for work and play that are highly desirable to aspiring 20 somethings and current residents alike right when demand is growing. With a mix of housing options as well as innovative gathering spaces, this revitalization could hit at just the right time.

Similarly, we need to be focused on regional amenities that attract and retain millennials. One area that we’ve allowed to pass us by is responsible incorporation of craft breweries. Surrounding communities have strategically positioned themselves to attract and grow these small businesses while Naperville has tentatively dipped a toe into the mash tun.

Since Solemn Oath opened their doors in 2012, there has been an explosion of taprooms opened in the state of Illinois as direct competitors. Nearly 90% of those new businesses do not serve food and have no consumption limit.

Consequently, beer aficionados in Tinley Park can visit HailStorm Brewing Company while patrons in Oak Park can visit Kinslahger Brewing Company. If you live in Evanston, there are two new options in Sketchbook Brewing and Temperance Brewing.

More locally, Plainfield is now home to Werk Force Brewing Co., while Darien welcomed Miskatonic Brewing, and Penrose Brewing Company is a great destination in Geneva. Meanwhile, not a brewery I listed offers food or has a consumption limitation.

I applaud Solemn Oath for the dedication to the community and their sterling, responsible reputation. It’s time to give them the freedom to compete with their growing number of rivals. They’ve proven they will operate safely and responsibly, and the market has proven we are demanding their services.

Around NapervilleOgden AvenueWhen we discuss development around Naperville the question about what to do with Ogden Avenue frequently comes up, and rightly so. Currently, there is a proposal to require landowners to convert non-conforming pole signs to monument signs at a more aggressive timeline than was mandated in 2008.

SpringfieldThe Illinois General Assembly is not currently in session. Spring Session Adjourned on May 31, 2018.